Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Versus Active Release Technique for Tight Upper Trapezius Among Bikers of Gujranwala

Noha Arshad; Shaphan Jonathan; Fatima; Noor ul Nisa; Nayab Kanwal; Arooba Tariq; Ayesha Fakhir; Muhammad Ahmad

doi:10.61919/44vgm585

Authors

Noha Arshad Faculty, Gujranwala Institute of Medical and Emerging Sciences, Gujranwala, Pakistan Author
Shaphan Jonathan Gujranwala Institute of Medical and Emerging Sciences, Gujranwala, Pakistan Author
Fatima Gujranwala Institute of Medical and Emerging Sciences, Gujranwala, Pakistan Author
Noor ul Nisa Gujranwala Institute of Medical and Emerging Sciences, Gujranwala, Pakistan Author
Nayab Kanwal Gujranwala Institute of Medical and Emerging Sciences, Gujranwala, Pakistan Author
Arooba Tariq Gujranwala Institute of Medical and Emerging Sciences, Gujranwala, Pakistan Author
Ayesha Fakhir Gujranwala Institute of Medical and Emerging Sciences, Gujranwala, Pakistan Author
Muhammad Ahmad Gujranwala Institute of Medical and Emerging Sciences, Gujranwala, Pakistan Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61919/44vgm585

Keywords:

Active Release Technique; Bike Riders; Cervical Range of Motion; Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization; Neck Disability Index; Numeric Pain Rating Scale; Upper Trapezius Tightness.

Abstract

Background: Upper trapezius tightness is a frequent musculoskeletal problem among bike riders because prolonged riding posture, vibration exposure, and sustained shoulder-neck loading may contribute to pain, restricted cervical mobility, and functional disability. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Active Release Technique on pain intensity, cervical range of motion, and neck-related disability among bike riders with upper trapezius tightness. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted in Gujranwala district over six months. A total of 126 individuals were screened, and 110 eligible bike riders aged 18–45 years were randomized into two equal groups. Group A received IASTM and Group B received ART; both groups also received standard physical therapy consisting of TENS, moist heat, and stretching. Treatment was delivered twice weekly for four weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after four weeks using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, goniometric cervical range of motion, and Neck Disability Index. Results: Both groups showed significant within-group improvement after treatment. NPRS decreased from 6.71 ± 0.874 to 2.09 ± 1.191 in the IASTM group and from 6.94 ± 0.943 to 3.65 ± 1.493 in the ART group. IASTM showed greater post-treatment benefit for NPRS, flexion, extension, right side bending, and bilateral rotation, while NDI improved substantially in both groups without a statistically significant post-treatment between-group difference. Conclusion: IASTM was more effective than ART for reducing pain and improving most cervical mobility outcomes, while both interventions improved neck-related disability.

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